Unfortunately, this is not a metaphor. The other day, smoke started coming out of the garage in the ranch house across the road from us. By the time the firefighters had arrived in these suburbs and put it out, the whole place and it’ belongings were ruined. Apparently it is a total loss and must be torn down and rebuilt .
It is a strong reminder of the force of fortune. The owner had for years poured a stream of money into improvements _ so much so that my wife and I were sometimes annoyed at the constant activity, noise, and trucks blocking our driveway across the narrow old street. No matter, gone literally with the wind. Up in smoke .
And of course I sit here and realize that there but for the grace of God go I. Nothing obviously stupid caused the blaze. Bad luck, a wayward electric spark perhaps. But nobody could sit back and think “if only” .
There is insurance, and the owner claims to want to rebuild. But lots of memories are gone, and no doubt the sense of security once enjoyed. Everything in their world changed in a couple of hours .
If it were not so terrible, it would be a terrific remedial tonic to cure hubris .
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 